Protective enclosure for an electronic device

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a three-layer protective enclosure that provides resistance to water, dust, dirt, and bump protection for sensitive computers. In one embodiment, an inner membrane layer is provided, which is a thin, flexible layer that protects portions of a computer and allows the user to interact with keyboards, push buttons and other interactive features of the computer. A protective hard shell fits tightly over the membrane and provides additional sealing and rigidity to the protective enclosure. A stretchable cushion layer is placed over the hard shell which conforms to the hard shell and seals moisture, dust and dirt from entering the hard shell. The stretchable cushion layer provides cushioning and also allows access to certain controls on the computer. In another embodiment, a touch screen cover may be used with, or without, a membrane over other portions of the computer.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.12/134,120, entitled “Protective Enclosure for an Electronic Device,” byCurtis R. Richardson et al., filed Jun. 5, 2008, which applicationclaims benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 60/942,429, entitled “Protective Enclosure for an ElectronicDevice” by Curtis R. Richardson, et al., filed Jun. 6, 2007, and U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/029,432, entitled “ProtectiveEnclosure for an Electronic Device” by Curtis R. Richardson, et al.,filed Feb. 18, 2008, the entire contents of which are specificallyincorporated herein by reference for all that they disclose and teach.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various types of electronic devices currently exist for communicationsand entertainment purposes. These include various types of computers,including laptop computers, hand-held computers, ultra-mobile computers,tablet computers, MP3 players that play music, video players, smartphones, other types of communication devices such as walkie talkies,navigational devices such as GPS devices and other types of electronicdevices. These devices often utilize touch screens, interactive panelsincluding, but not limited to, capacitive coupled interfaces,interactive touch screens, keyboards, scroll wheels, tilt switches,push-button switches and other interactive controls. Due to thesensitive nature of these electronic devices, it is desirable to provideprotection for these devices so that they can be used in variousenvironments.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An embodiment of the present invention may therefore comprise aprotective enclosure for a computer comprising: a flexible membrane thatis molded to fit over at least a front portion of the computer thatallows interactive access to controls on the front portion of thecomputer; a hard shell cover that fits over the flexible membrane andthe computer and that is formed to provide openings that allow a user toaccess the flexible membrane to have interactive access to the controlsof the computer, the hard shell cover providing rigidity to theprotective enclosure; a stretchable cushion layer that is disposed overthe hard shell cover that has sufficient elasticity to substantiallyconfirm to the hard shell cover and provide cushioning to the protectiveenclosure.

An embodiment of the present invention may further comprise a protectiveenclosure for a computer comprising: a hard shell cover that fits overthe computer and that is formed to provide openings that allow access tocontrols of the computer; a stretchable cushion layer that is disposedover the hard shell cover that has sufficient elasticity to stretch overthe hard shell cover and substantially conform to an outer surface ofthe hard shell cover to cushion the hard shell cover and absorb shocksthat would otherwise be transmitted to the computer.

An embodiment of the present invention may further comprise a protectiveenclosure for a computer that has a touch screen comprising: a hardshell cover that fits over the computer and that is formed to provide atleast one opening that is aligned with the touch screen; a touch screencover that is attached to the hard shell cover, the touch screen coverbeing sufficiently thin and disposed sufficiently close to the touchscreen when the computer is disposed in the protective enclosure toallow activation of the touch screen through the touch screen cover; astretchable cushion layer that is disposed over the hard shell coverthat has sufficient elasticity to stretch over the hard shell cover andsubstantially conform to an outer surface of the hard shell cover tocushion the hard shell cover and absorb shocks that would otherwise betransmitted to the computer.

An embodiment of the present invention may further comprise a method ofprotecting a computer that has a keyboard by surrounding the electronicdevice with a protective enclosure comprising: providing a hard shellcase having an opening for the keyboard; placing the computer in thehard shell case so that the opening is aligned with the keyboard;providing a stretchable cushion layer that absorbs shocks and hassufficient elasticity to stretch over the hard shell case andsubstantially conform to an outer surface of the hard shell case;placing the stretchable cushion layer over the hard shell case toprovide the protective enclosure.

An embodiment of the present invention may further comprise a method ofprotecting an electronic device that has a keyboard by surrounding thecomputer with a protective enclosure comprising: providing a hard shellcase having an opening for the keyboard; providing a flexible membranemade from a thin flexible material that allows actuation of the keyboardthrough the flexible membrane; placing the membrane over the keyboard;placing the computer in the hard shell case so that the opening for thekeyboard and the flexible membrane disposed over the keyboard arealigned with the keyboard and the flexible membrane is held in place bythe hard shell case; providing a stretchable cushion layer that absorbsshocks and has sufficient elasticity to stretch over the hard shell caseand substantially conform to an outer surface of the hard shell case;placing the stretchable cushion layer over the hard shell case toprovide the protective enclosure.

An embodiment of the present invention may further comprise a method ofprotecting a computer that has a touch screen by surrounding thecomputer with a protective enclosure comprising: providing a hard shellcase having an opening for the touch screen; placing the computer in thehard shell case so that the opening is aligned with the touch screen;providing a touch screen cover made from a clear, hard material that issufficiently thin to allow actuation of the touch screen through thetouch screen cover; attaching the touch screen cover to the hard shellcase over the opening so that the touch screen cover is disposedadjacent to the touch screen when the computer is disposed in theprotective hard shell case and the touch screen can be operated throughthe touch screen cover; providing a stretchable cushion layer thatabsorbs shock, and has sufficient elasticity to stretch over the hardshell case and substantially conform to an outer surface of the hardshell case; placing the stretchable cushion layer over the hard shellcase to provide the protective enclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of one embodiment of a protective enclosure.

FIG. 2 is a line drawing of an exploded view of the embodiment of FIG.1.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of one embodiment of the assembled hard shelland membrane.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of one embodiment of the assembled hard shelland membrane being inserted into a stretchable cushion layer.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of one embodiment of the assembled protectiveenclosure.

FIG. 6 is a front view of the embodiment of the protective enclosureillustrated in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a back view of the embodiment of the protective enclosureillustrated in FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a right side view of the embodiment of the protectiveenclosure illustrated in FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 is a left side view of the embodiment of the protective enclosureillustrated in FIG. 5.

FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the embodiment of the protective enclosureillustrated in FIG. 5.

FIG. 11 is a top view of the embodiment of the protective enclosureillustrated in FIG. 5.

FIG. 12 is an isometric view of another embodiment of a protectiveenclosure.

FIG. 13 is an exploded assembly diagram of the protective enclosureillustrated in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is an isometric view of another embodiment of a protectiveenclosure.

FIG. 15 is an exploded close-up view of the cutaway portion of theprotective enclosure illustrated in FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a side cutaway view of another embodiment of a protectiveenclosure.

FIG. 17 is a close-up view of a portion of the protective enclosureillustrated in FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is an isometric view of another embodiment of a protectiveenclosure for a computer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of one embodiment of a protectiveenclosure 100. The protective enclosure includes a membrane 102, a frontshell 104, a back shell 106 and a stretchable cushion layer 108. Whenassembled, the protective enclosure substantially surrounds and providesprotection for electronic device 110. Electronic device 110 can be anytype of electronic device that requires interactivity with a user of thedevice, including various types of MP3 players, video players, cellphones, smart phones, satellite phones, walkie talkies, GPS navigationaldevices, telematics devices, pagers, monitors, personal data assistants,bar code scanners, as well as various types of computers, includingportable computers, laptop computers, handheld computers, ultra-mobilecomputers, tablet computers, and various hybrid devices that combine twoor more of these functions. In addition, these devices may operate withonly a touch screen interface or only with a keyboard or other type ofmanual input and are not limited to devices that includes keyboards orbuttons, as well as a touch screen. The membrane 102 can be made from asoft, plastic layer such as a soft, thin Lexan (polycarbonate), PVC,urethane, or silicon material that can be molded, such as bythermoforming, casting, stretching, heating, or injection molding, orotherwise shaped to fit to the front surface of the electronic device110 and other surfaces of the electronic device 110. The membrane has athickness on the order of 0.004 to 0.020 inches. The membrane 102 may bemade from a single material or multiple materials that are welded, gluedor formed together into a single membrane 102. For example, for theportion of the membrane 102 that is disposed over the display screen115, it may be desirable to use a clear, thin, hard layer of glass orplastic to provide a clear, transparent material over the display screenthat protects the display screen from scratches. The other part of themembrane 102 may be made of a thin layer of Lexan (polycarbonate), PVCor a silicon material that is highly flexible so that a keyboard andother buttons may be pressed through the membrane 102.

Similarly, if the electronic device 112 has a capacitive interface, suchthose used on iPod devices, a separate material, such as Lexan, or othertypes of polycarbonates, that are on the order of 0.010, but may be inthe range of 0.004-0.020, inch thick, may be used for the capacitiveinterface. Alternatively, PVC or silicon may be used with a crosssectional thickness that allows interactability. With regard to thethickness of various materials to be used as a capacitive couplinginterface, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,646,864, 6,995,976, 7,158,376, and7,180,735, and U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 11/270,732, 11/420,683,11/456,157, 11/466,342 and 11/676,986 are specifically incorporatedherein by reference for all that they disclose and teach. With regard tothe various types of materials and thicknesses of those materials foruse with an interactive touch screen, the above-referenced applicationsdisclose these materials and thicknesses. For example, it can beenvisioned that a device may have a keyboard or a number of buttons,together with a capacitive interface and a touch screen in which variouscombinations of materials can be used. For example, a thin layer ofglass may be used for the touch screen.

Further, it may be desirable to not use the membrane 102, but rather,leave the keyboard or buttons open, through the keyboard opening 122, toallow better access to the keys on the keyboard 114. Althoughelimination of the membrane 102 may subject the electronic device 110 tocontamination of dust and dirt and subject the electronic device 110 todamaging water, some users may desire to have open access to thekeyboard 114. In that regard, the second and third layer of protection,i.e. the assembled front shell 104 and back shell 106 with thestretchable cushion layer 108, provides protection against dropping andcrushing of the device.

In addition, the membrane 102, illustrated in FIG. 1, may be made sothat just the area around the keyboard opening 122 is open to allowdirect access to the keyboard 114, while the other areas that arecovered by the membrane 102 remain covered. In addition, variousportions of the membrane can be made clear, translucent, opaque or anydesired color, or any combination of these alternatives. The membrane102 is shown as covering a front portion of the electronic device 110,but can also be made to wrap around a portion of, or all of, thebackside of the electronic device 110 and be at least partially sealedtogether, especially if a self-adhering material is used for themembrane 102. For example, if a camera is included on the backside ofthe electronic device 110, a clear portion of the membrane 102 can beused to cover a camera lens (not shown). The membrane 102 can also havesome elasticity so that the membrane fits tightly to the electronicdevice 110. The membrane 102 can be thermoformed or otherwise molded tofit the specific shape of all, or a portion of, the surfaces of theelectronic device 110, to provide a tight, form fit to the electronicdevice 110. The molding or thermoforming process can be quickly andeasily performed by simply generating a mold of the surfaces of theelectronic device 110 to be covered and using that mold to generate athermoforming mold or other mold. In this manner, a precisely formedmembrane that fits tightly to the surfaces of the electronic device 110can be simply and easily formed. Overlapping flaps (not shown) can alsohelp to seal the membrane to the electronic device.

The membrane 102 may also have openings. For example, some electronicdevices, such as Blackberry Smart Phones, include scroll balls on thefront. An opening in the membrane 102 can be provided to allow access tothe scroll ball. The membrane 102 can be thermomolded to fit tightly inthe opening around the scroll ball to provide as much water and dustprotection as possible. In addition, openings may be provided in themembrane 102 for microphones and speakers, such as speaker 117 andearphone 112, to allow for proper transmission of audio waves to themicrophone and from the speakers. Some electronic devices have adequatemicrophones and speakers so that openings do not have to be provided inthe membrane 102. For the instances in which an opening must be formedin the membrane 102 to accommodate speakers and microphones, anacoustical screen, such as acoustical screen 126, can be placed on anopening in the membrane 102. The acoustical screen may be made of amaterial such as Gortex, or other material, that allows transmission ofacoustical waves while also preventing the flow of water, or othercontaminants, through the acoustical vent 124.

As also shown in FIG. 1, the front shell 104 fits snuggly over themembrane 102 and snaps together with the back shell 106. The assembly ofthe front shell 102 and back shell 106 form a hard shell housing 150that has a thickness on the order of 0.030 to 0.060 inches. The frontshell 104 and the back shell 106 can be made of a polycarbonate, ABSmaterials, propylene, thermal plastics, metals, composite materials, andother rigid materials used in injection molding. The firm fit of thefront shell 104, and portions of the back shell 106, to the membrane 102and electronic device 110, helps to seal the hard shell 150 to themembrane 102, which provides water resistance and prevents dirt and dustfrom entering the membrane 102. The molded, snug fit of the membrane 102to the electronic device 110, as well as the tight fit of the frontshell 104 and back shell 106 to the electronic device 110 and themembrane 102, helps to seal the electronic device 110 within theprotective enclosure 100. Further, the tight fit of the stretchablecushion layer 108 also helps to keep water, dirt and dust out. Aroundeach of the openings in the front shell 104 and back shell 106 that areadjacent to the membrane 102, a small ridge can be formed that appliesadditional pressure to the membrane 102 to further seal the membrane 102to the front shell 104 and back shell 106. Each of the small ridgesaround these openings, such as the display screen opening 120 and thekeyboard opening 122, slightly deforms and seals the edge of theopenings to the membrane 102, which helps in preventing the entry ofdust, dirt or moisture into the hard shell 150 and the electronic device110.

As further shown in FIG. 1, the front shell 104 is formed to provide akeyboard opening 122 and a display screen opening 120 that allow accessto the shaped membrane 102 that covers the keyboard 114 and displayscreen 115 of the electronic device 110. As mentioned above, the frontshell 104 is also formed to provide an acoustical vent 124. Theacoustical screen 126 may be mounted in the acoustical vent 124 toprevent the passage of water, dust or dirt either onto the membrane 102or onto the earphone 112 of the electronic device 110. Acoustical screen126 can be made of a material that prevents the passage of dust throughthe acoustical screen 126 or may also be made of a material thatprevents the passage of both dust and water through the acousticalscreen 126. Some degree of water protection is provided by a waterproofacoustical screen. However, such screens may not have the ability totransmit acoustical signals as well as other screens that do not providewater protection. In many instances, the earphone 112 and speaker 117are sufficiently loud that apertures do not have to be formed in themembrane 102 so that the acoustical waves are transmitted through themembrane 102. The thickness and selection of the materials for themembrane 102 may allow the membrane to be aperture free. For example,the membrane 102 may be thermoformed or otherwise molded so the membrane102 may be sufficiently thin in the areas that cover the earphone 112and speaker 117 to allow the transmission of acoustical waves throughthe membrane so that the user may adequately hear the acousticaltransmissions. In addition, the membrane 102 may also be madesufficiently thin over the area that covers the microphone to allowacoustical voice transmissions to be adequately received by themicrophone. Also, other types of materials may be used over theearphones and microphones that allow transmission of acoustical waves.Further, some personal electronic devices do not require any type ofkeyboard, but operate simply by using a touch screen. For these types ofdevices, a membrane 102 is not required, but rather a display screencover that comprises a thin, hard plastic or glass material can be usedthat is either removeably or permanently attached to the front shell104.

The back shell 106, illustrated in FIG. 1, snaps tightly onto the frontshell 104. The back shell 106 has an opening 132 that allows access totilt or double-button switch 118 that allows adjustment of the volume ofthe electronic device 110. The acoustical vent 136 provides an openingin the back shell 106 for the speaker 117. An acoustical screen 134 canalso be optionally connected over the opening of the acoustical vent 136to prevent water and dust from entering the enclosure of the front shell104 and back shell 106 when the shells are snapped together. Anotheropening 128 is also formed in the back shell 106 that allows access toelectrical ports (not shown) in the electronic device 110. An openingmay be formed in the membrane 102 to allow electrical cables to accessthe electrical ports in the electronic device 110. Alternatively, themembrane 102 may be formed so that the edge of the membrane 102 does notextend downwardly to the electronic ports on the electronic device 110.Another opening 130 may also be formed in the back shell 106 to allowaccess to a button (not shown) on the side of the electronic device 110.Again, an opening may be formed in the membrane 102, or the membrane maynot extend to the position of the “enter” button.

As indicated above, the material of the membrane 102 may be sufficientlythin to allow a user to interact with a touch screen on the electronicdevice 110. Further, the material of the membrane 102 that can beaccessed by the user through the display screen opening 120 can be adifferent material that may allow a user to interface with a capacitiveinteractive screen, or a touch screen, such as a harder and thinnermaterial that is attached the membrane 102, which may include apolycarbonate, a hard acrylic material, any other hard, thin plastic, orglass. A hard, thin plastic or glass layer can also be removeably orpermanently connected directly to the display screen opening 120 of thefront shell 104. Such a protective layer may be used in addition to themembrane 102, or in place of the membrane 102, over the display screen115 of the electronic device 110. The keyboard opening 122 allows accessto the portion of the membrane 102 that covers the keyboard 114 of theelectronic device 110. The membrane 102 can be molded, thermoformed orotherwise formed to the shape of the keys and is a flexible, thinmaterial that allows the user to easily access and utilize the keys ofthe keyboard 114. Alternatively, some keyboards are sufficiently flatthat thermoforming the membrane 102 to the keyboard is not needed. Boththe thinness and flexibility of the membrane 102 over the keyboard areaallows the user to access the keyboard 114 in a manner that allows easytactile input similar to the tactile input that is achievable throughdirect contact with the keyboard 114. Plastic materials that haveself-adhering properties, such as polypropylene, polyethylene, etc. canbe used for the membrane 102. The advantage of the use of such devicesis that greater sealing occurs between the electronic device 110 and themembrane 102 to further seal out dust, dirt and moisture.

As also illustrated in FIG. 1, a stretchable cushion layer 108 isprovided that fits snugly over the assembled hard shell 150 thatincludes the front shell 104 and back shell 106. The stretchable cushionlayer 108 provides cushioning in a drop situation and fits snugly overportions of the outside of the assembled hard shell 150. The softnessspecifications can vary, as long as the softness does not interfere withthe functionality of the protective enclosure 100. The stretchablecushion layer 108 can be made of a variety of thermoplastic materials(such as rubber or silicon), urethane, or other material that is capableof stretching sufficiently to allow the hard shell 150 to slide into theopening 138 of the stretchable cushion layer 108. The stretchablecushion layer 108 has a modulus of elasticity, which varies, but allowsthe stretchable cushion layer 108 to conform to the assembled hard shell150. The stretchable cushion layer may include pads, such as tiltswitch/push button pad 142, that are connected to the stretchablecushion layer 108 with a thinner portion 140 to allow actuation of theswitches. The pads, such as pad 142, can then be depressed by a user toactivate a tilt switch or push button switch, such as tilt/push buttonswitch 118 on the electronic device 110. Opening 132 allows the pad 142to directly access switch 118 for activation by a user. The thinnerportion 140 allows the pad 142 to easily flex with respect to thestretchable cushion layer 108. Other pads can also be incorporated inthe stretchable cushion layer that allow a user to interface withvarious controls on the electronic device 110.

FIG. 2 is a line drawing illustrating the clear membrane 102, the frontshell 104 and the back shell 106. In addition, FIG. 2 illustrates thestretchable cushion layer 108 that at least partially covers theassembly of the clear membrane 102, the front shell 104 and the backshell 106.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of the assembly of the membrane 102 and theassembled hard shell 150. As shown in FIG. 3, the assembled rigid hardshell 150 provides a secure, rigid enclosure for the electronic device110. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the portion of the membrane 150 that isdisposed over the display screen of the electronic device is accessiblethrough the display screen opening 120 in the front shell 104.Similarly, the portion of the membrane 152 that is disposed over thekeyboard is accessible through the keyboard opening 122 in the frontshell 104. As shown in FIG. 3, the back shell 106 is connected to thefront shell 104. The front shell 104 and back shell 106 may be coupledtogether by a snap connection provided on the edge of the front shell104 and the back shell 106. The snug fit of the front shell 104 and theback shell 106 over the membrane 102 creates a secure environment forthe enclosure 100.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of the assembled hard shell 150 and membrane102 being inserted in the stretchable cushion layer 108. As shown inFIG. 4, the assembled hard shell 150 is placed through the front opening138 of the stretchable cushion layer 108. The stretchable cushion layer108 is resilient and has an elasticity that allows the assembled hardshell 150 to be inserted through the front window of the stretchablecushion layer 108.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of an embodiment of the assembled protectiveenclosure 100. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the stretchable membrane layer108 surrounds the assembled hard shell 150. The stretchable cushionlayer 108 has an elasticity that tightly holds the assembled hard shell150 together in a cushion layer 108. The elasticity of the stretchablecushion layer 108 prevents the assembled hard shell 150 from separatingin a drop situation. In addition, the elasticity of the stretchablecushion layer 108 provides a tight fit, which further adds to the waterresistance of the protective enclosure 100. As shown in FIG. 5, theentire back portion of the stretchable cushion layer is sealed, whichincreases the water, dust and dirt resistance of the protectiveenclosure 100. In other embodiments, openings may be formed in the backportion that reduce the water, dust and dirt resistance of theprotective enclosure 100. As disclosed above, the stretchable cushionlayer 108 provides cushioning protection for the assembled protectiveenclosure 100. The assembled hard shell 150 provides stiffness andstructural rigidity to the assembled protective enclosure 100 thatfurther protects the electronic device 110. The combination of themembrane layer 102, the hard shell 150 and the cushion layer 108provides water resistance, dust and dirt protection, and allows the usereasy access to the electronic device 110. The thickness of the assembledprotective enclosure 100 is approximately 0.10 to 0.15 inches. As such,the protective enclosure 100 does not add substantially to the bulkinessof the electronic device 110 while still providing water, dust and dirtresistance, and bump protection. Because the membrane layer is thin,activation of the keypads or other buttons and display screen, which maybe a touch screen, is not significantly affected. If the membrane layer102 becomes scratched or contaminated in some fashion, the membranelayer 102 can be easily replaced by simply removing the stretchablecushion layer 108, the hard shell case 150 and peeling the membrane 102from the electronic device 110. Replacement membranes 102 can beprovided for use with the protective enclosure 100.

FIG. 6 is a front view of the protective enclosure 100. As can be seenin FIG. 6, the front shell 104 is not fully covered by the stretchablecushion layer 108. Front shell 104 appears around the opening 138 in thecushion layer 138. The front shell 104, as well as the back shell 106,can be made to have a different color than the stretchable cushion layer108. For example, the front shell 104 and the back shell 106 can be madeof a bright yellow plastic, or other color, while the stretchablecushion layer 108 may be black, gray or any other color, to providesharp contrast which is pleasant and appealing. The stretchable cushionlayer 108 can be made from a thermoplastic rubber or silicon materialthat has a thickness of approximately 0.050 to 0.100 inches. Colorantcan be added to these materials that does not affect the performance ofthese materials, so as to obtain the desired color of the stretchablecushion layer 108, front shell 104 and back shell 106. The clearmembrane may also be colored to provide a transparent, translucent oropaque membrane layer in portions of, or all of, the membrane 102.

FIG. 7 is a back view of the protective enclosure 100. As shown in FIG.7, the back of the stretchable cushion layer 108 provides cushioning tothe back and corners of the electronic device 110.

FIG. 8 is a left side view of the protective enclosure 100. As can beseen in FIG. 8, switch pad 162, in the stretchable cushion layer 108, isaligned with opening 130 in the back shell 106 (FIG. 1) to allow useraccess to a push switch, such as an enter switch on the electronicdevice 110.

FIG. 9 is a right side view of the protective enclosure 100 showingswitch pad 142 in the stretchable cushion layer 108 that aligned withopening 128 in the back shell 106 (FIG. 1). The switch pad 142 allowsthe user to access the push button/tilt switch 118.

FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the protective enclosure 100 illustratingthe unitary nature of the stretchable cushion layer 108. The stretchablecushion layer 108 has built in padding, especially around the corners ofthe electronic device 110 to provide cushioning to protect theelectronic device 110 in a dropped situation.

FIG. 11 is a top view of the protective enclosure 100. As shown in FIG.11, a plug 164 is formed in the stretchable cushion layer 108. The plug164 is a plug that can be opened, which provides a water-resistant sealand allows access to an electronic port in the electronic device 110.

FIG. 12 is an isometric view of another embodiment of a protectiveenclosure 1200. As shown in FIG. 12, the protective enclosure 1200 has astretchable cushion layer 1202 that can be made of a thermoplasticrubber or silicon material, neoprene or other cushioning material thatis capable of stretching over and forming to the assembled front shell1204 and back shell 1324 (FIG. 13). The modulus of elasticity of thestretchable cushion layer 1202 is sufficient to allow the stretchablecushion layer 1202 to conform tightly to the shells. The stretchablecushion layer 1202 enhances the grip of the protective enclosure 1200and is made of a soft cushioning material that cushions the electronicdevice 1302 (FIG. 13) if the protective enclosure 1200 is dropped on ahard surface. The stretchable cushion layer 1202 has sufficientelasticity to hold the assembled front shell 1204 and back shell 1324(FIG. 13) together and be form fit to the assembled shells. Thestretchable cushion layer 1202, in addition, provides a decorative layerand can be made of different colors and provide a contrast of colorswith the portions of the front shell 1204 and back shell 1324 (FIG. 13)that show through the stretchable cushion layer 1202. The stretchablecushion layer 1202 has a microphone opening 1206 that allowstransmission of acoustical waves through the stretchable cushion layer1202 to a microphone 1314 (FIG. 13) that is disposed in the electronicdevice 1302 (FIG. 13). Similarly, the stretchable cushion layer 1202includes a speaker opening 1208 for transmission of acoustical wavesthrough the stretchable cushion layer 1202 from a speaker 1316 (FIG. 13)of the electronic device 1302 (FIG. 13). The stretchable cushion layer1202 also includes a plug opening 1210 that allows for various types ofplugs to be inserted into ports in the electronic device 1302 (FIG. 13),such as earplugs, etc. The protective enclosure 1200 also includes atouch screen cover 1304 (FIG. 13) that can be made of a thin, hardplastic material, such as polycarbonate or acrylic, a thin, rigid, ornon-rigid clear or transparent material, or a thin glass layer, such asthin tempered glass, or other thin, hard materials that are transparent,so that the touch screen 1312 (FIG. 13) of the electronic device 1302(FIG. 13) can be operated through the touch screen cover 1304 (FIG. 13).Various other openings may be formed in the stretchable cushion layer1202 for various purposes. The protective enclosure 1200, illustrated inFIG. 12, does not utilize a membrane, but rather, is designed to operatewith electronic devices that simply have a touch screen and do notinclude a keyboard. In the embodiment of FIG. 12, switch openings 1330allow interactive access to switches through the stretchable cushionlayer 1202. Similar openings can be provided on the front shell 1204.Hence, the primary method of interacting with the electronic device isthrough the touch screen cover 1304, which, as disclosed above, cancomprise a thin, hard plastic that is somewhat flexible or a thin glasslayer. Various openings, such as microphone opening 1206, speakeropening 1208, etc. can be covered by an acoustical screen, such as aGortex layer, that resists water, but allows sound waves to pass throughthe acoustical screen. Other similar water-resistant materials can beused. In addition, a sealing material may be coated on the inside of thestretchable cushion layer 1202 and/or on the outside of the front shell1204 and back shell 1324 to seal the stretchable cushion layer 1202 tothe front shell 1204 and back shell 1324. Such a sealing material maypermanently seal the stretchable cushion layer or may allow easy removalof the stretchable cushion layer and provide additional water resistancefor the protective enclosure 1200. Alternatively, the stretchablecushion layer 1202 can be made of a material or coated with a materialthat has high affinity to the material of the front shell 1204 and theback shell 1324 to assist in sealing the stretchable cushion layer 1202to front shell 1204 and back shell 1324.

FIG. 13 is an exploded assembly diagram of the protective enclosure 1200(FIG. 12) and the electronic device 1302. As shown in FIG. 13, theelectronic device 1302 fits snugly between the assembled front shell1204 (FIG. 12) and back shell 1324. The front shell 1204 (FIG. 12) andback shell 1324 latch together with a snap fit using preciselymanufactured male and female snaps, such as female snaps 1338, 1342,1336 on the front shell 1204 (FIG. 12) that engage male snaps, such asmale snaps 1344, 1346, 1347 on back shell 1324. In addition, ridges1348, 1350 in the back shell 1324 fit tightly within a groove (notshown) in the front shell 1204 to create a tight snap fit between thefront shell 1204 (FIG. 12) and back shell 1324.

Front shell 1204 (FIG. 12), as illustrated in FIG. 13, also includes amicrophone opening 1332, to allow transmission of acoustical waves tothe microphone 1314 of the electronic device 1302. An acoustical screenmay be attached to the interior surface of the front shell 1204 (FIG.12) around the microphone opening 1332 to prevent the passage of waterinto the interior portion of the assembled front shell 1204 (FIG. 12)and back shell 1324, while still allowing the passage of acousticalsound waves. In fact, acoustical screens may or may not be employed oneach of the openings in the assembled front shell 1204 (FIG. 12) andback shell 1324 to provide different levels of protection againstmoisture and different pricing of the protective enclosure. Such anacoustical screen may be secured around the interior surface surroundingthe speaker opening 1334 to allow acoustical waves to be transmittedfrom the speaker 1316 of the electronic device 1302 and substantiallypreventing water from entering speaker opening 1334. Plug opening 1352in the front cover 1204 (FIG. 12) matches plug opening 1354 in the backshell 1324 and is aligned with the plug opening 1210 (FIG. 12) in thestretchable cushion layer 1202, as illustrated in FIG. 12.

As also shown in FIG. 13, the stretchable cushion layer 1202 (FIG. 12)is illustrated, which shows the microphone opening 1206 (FIG. 12) andthe speaker opening 1208 (FIG. 12). As also shown in FIG. 13, the sideportions of the stretchable cushion layer 1202 (FIG. 12) includeopenings 1356, 1358. The upper edge of the stretchable cushion layer1202 (FIG. 12) that surrounds openings 1306, 1358 include tabs, such astab 1360, that are inserted in tab slots, such as tab slot 1354 on thefront shell 1204 (FIG. 12). The purpose of the tabs, such as tab 1360and the tab slots, such as tab slot 1354, is to hold the stretchablecushion layer 1202 (FIG. 12) in position and tightly around the frontportion of the front shell 1204 (FIG. 12) to ensure that the stretchablecushion layer 1202 (FIG. 12) fits tightly against and engages the frontshell 1204 around the entire periphery of the front shell 1204 (FIG.12). The stretchable cushion layer 1202 (FIG. 12) also includes switchpads 1362, 1364 that comprise raised portions of the stretchable cushionlayer 1202 (FIG. 12) that engage switches (not shown) on the side of theelectronic device 1302. These raised portions allow an operator tooperate the switches on the side of the electronic device 1302 throughthe stretchable cushion layer 1202 (FIG. 12). In that regard, switchopening 1330 in the back shell 1324 and the front shell 1204 (FIG. 12)allow access of the switch pads 1362, 1364 to the switches (not shown)on the electronic device 1302. Plug opening 1210 (FIG. 12) includes aflap that allows the stretchable cushion layer 1202 (FIG. 12) to atleast partially seal the plug opening 1352, 1354 that is formed in thefront shell 1204 (FIG. 12), and back shell 1324, respectively, when aplug is not inserted into a port in the electronic device 1302. Thestretchable cushion layer 1202 (FIG. 12) also includes a camera opening1356 that is aligned with camera opening 1328 of the back shell 1324, sothat the camera (not shown) of the electronic device 1302 has an opticalpassage through the protective enclosure 1200 (FIG. 12). Other openingson the back of the stretchable cushion layer 1202 (FIG. 12) allowportions of the back shell 1324 to show through the stretchable cushionlayer 1202 (FIG. 12), so that logos and other information appear throughthe protective enclosure 1200 (FIG. 12).

The protective enclosure 1200 (FIG. 12) also includes a touch screencover 1304. Touch screen cover 1304 may include an adhesive 1306 aroundthe periphery of the touch screen cover 1304 to attach the touch screencover 1304 to the inside surface of the front shell 1204 (FIG. 12).Various types of adhesives can be used to permanently or removablyattach the touch screen cover 1304 to the inside surface of the frontshell 1204 (FIG. 12). Alternatively, the touch screen cover may beattached around an interior rim in the touch screen opening 1340 of thefront shell 1204 (FIG. 12). All of these attachments may be made usingan adhesive, or the cover 1304 may be welded to the front shell 1204using thermal welding, sonic welding, etc. The touch screen cover 1304may also be attached to the front surface of the front shell 1204 (FIG.12). Alternatively, the touch screen cover 1304 may constitute a portionof the front shell 1204 (FIG. 12). In other words, the front shell 1204(FIG. 12) may be formed so that it includes a touch screen cover thatcomprises a thinner portion of the front shell 1204 (FIG. 12) that istransparent. Further, the touch screen cover 1304 may include a speakeropening 1308 to allow acoustical waves to be transmitted through thetouch screen cover 1304. An acoustical vent may be placed around speakeropening 1308 to prevent passage of water. Window 1310 in touch screencover 1304 comprises a window for the transmission of light, through thetouch screen cover, to sensors on the enclosed device. The window 1310has an adhesive layer surrounding the window 1310 to secure the window1310 to the back shell 1324.

Since the protective enclosure 1200, illustrated in FIG. 12, is to beused in conjunction with a touch screen device, the type of touch screencover 1304 that is used on the protective enclosure 1200 will depend onthe type of touch screen 1312 that is used by the electronic device1302. Essentially, there are three basic types of touch screens that arecurrently used, i.e., the resistive, capacitive and surface acousticwave types of touch screens. Resistive touch screens have a glass panelthat is covered with a conductive and a resistive metallic layer. Thesetwo layers are held apart by spacers. An electric current is separatelyapplied to the two layers. When a user touches the screen, the twolayers make contact at the spot where the user touches the screen. Achange in the electric field is detected and the coordinates of thepoint of contact are then calculated by a processor in the electronicdevice. Once the coordinates are known, the information is used by theelectronic device.

In a capacitive type of touch screen, a layer that stores electricalcharge is placed on a glass panel that forms part of the touch screensystem. When a user touches the touch screen with a finger, the chargeis transferred to the user, so that the charge on the layer that storesthe electrical charge decreases. This decrease in the electrical chargeis measured by circuits located at each corner of the touch screen. Therelative differences in the charge at each corner are measured and thesemeasurements are used by a processor to calculate exactly where thetouch event took place on the touch screen. The calculated location isthen used by the electronic device to process the information.

Surface acoustic wave touch screens operate using two transducers. Onetransducer is used to receive surface acoustic waves and the other oneis used to send surface acoustic waves. These transducers are placedalong the X and Y axis of the glass plate of the touch screen.Reflectors are also placed on the glass plate of the touch screen thatreflect an electrical signal sent from one transducer to the other. Thereceiving transducer is able to tell if the wave has been disturbed by atouch event at any instant and can locate the touch event accordingly.Surface acoustic wave touch screens have no metallic layers on thescreen, which allows 100 percent of the light to penetrate the touchscreen system.

Another type of touch screen system is a multi-touch screen system thatis used in the iPhone. The multi-touch system includes a layer ofcapacitive material, but the capacitors are arranged in a coordinatesystem. Circuitry is used to sense changes at each point along the gridof the capacitors, so that every point on the grid generates its ownsignal when touched, which is sent to a processor in the electronicdevice 1302. This allows the touch screen to determine the location andmovement of simultaneous touches in multiple locations. Because of thereliance of this type of system on capacitive material, the iPhone worksonly if it is touched with a fingertip and will not work with a stylus,or if the user wears non-conductive gloves. Further, these types ofsystems can either use mutual capacitance or self-capacitance. In mutualcapacitance systems, the capacitive circuitry requires two distinctlayers of material. One layer of material houses drive lines, whichcarry current, and the other layer of material houses sensing lines,which detect the current at nodes. In self capacitance systems, there isonly one layer of individual electrodes connected with capacitancesensing circuitry.

Hence, selection of the touch screen cover 1304 requires that thematerial that is used for the touch screen cover 1304 be amenable to thetype of touch screen 1302 used by the electronic device 1304. Forexample, for iPhones, a material suitable for transmitting capacitiveinputs must be used, as more fully disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.6,646,846, 6,995,976, 7,158,376 and 7,180,735, and U.S. patentapplication Ser. Nos. 11/270,732, 11/420,683, 11/456,157, 11/466,342 and11/676,986, which are specifically incorporated herein by reference forall that they disclose and teach. Suitable materials include Lexan orother types of polycarbonates that are on the order of 0.010 inchesthick, to transmit the capacitive input. Alternatively, PVC or siliconmay be used with a cross-sectional thickness that is sufficiently thinto allow interactability. For example, thin layers of glass can be usedthat are capable of transmitting the capacitive input. Althoughthicknesses on the order of 0.010 inches may be preferable, thicknessesranging from 0.005-0.035 inches will still allow operation of acapacitive type of touch screen. Of course, any type of thin material,such as glass, polycarbonate, Lexan, PVC, or other thin plasticmaterial, as indicated above, can be used, as long as the layer issufficiently thin to allow transmission of the capacitive input and theplastic material is a material that is non-conductive and will allowtransmission of the capacitive input.

If a resistive type of touch screen is used, the touch screen cover 1304may be flexible to allow deflection of the touch screen cover 1304 toflex against the resistive touch screen 1312 of the electronic device1302, so that the layers of the resistive touch screen are deflected andtouch each other,

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 13, the touch screen cover 1304 isadhered to the inner surface of the front shell 1204 (FIG. 12), so thatthe touch screen cover 1304 is adjacent to the touch screen 1312, whenthe electronic device 1302 is disposed in the protective enclosure 1200(FIG. 12) and is adjacent the touch screen 1312 to allow properactivation of touch screen 1312. By disposing the touch screen cover1304 on the inside surface of the front shell 1204 (FIG. 12), the touchscreen cover 1304 is recessed from the first surface of the front shell1204 (FIG. 12). Further, the touch screen cover 1304 is protected by thefront shell 1204 (FIG. 12) that extends above the recessed touch screen1304 and prevents damage to the touch screen cover 1304 and touch screen1312. The recess also prevents scratching of the touch screen 1304 andother types of damage.

As also shown in FIG. 13, the adhesive 1320, on the logo cover 1321, andadhesive 1322 on the camera lens cover 1318, is used to seal the cameralens cover 1318 and logo cover 1321 to the back shell 1324. In thismanner, the logo opening 1326, as well as the camera opening 1328, aresealed on the back shell 1324 from water, dirt and dust.

Of course, the electronic device, such as electronic device 110 (FIG.1), electronic device 1302 (FIG. 13), and electronic device 1402 (FIG.14) can be any type of electronic device that requires interactivitywith a user of the device, including various types of MP3 players, cellphones, satellite phones, telematics devices, pagers, walkie talkies,GPS navigational devices, bar code readers, as well as various types ofcomputers, including portable computers, laptop computers, handheldcomputers, ultra-mobile computers, tablet computers, and various hybriddevices that combine two or more of these functions. In addition, thesedevices may operate with only a touch screen interface or only with akeyboard or other type of manual input and are not limited to devicesthat include keyboards or buttons in combination with a touch screen.

FIG. 14 is an isometric cutaway view of another embodiment of aprotective enclosure 1400. As shown in FIG. 14, the protective enclosure1400 protects an electronic device 1402. The protective enclosure 1400includes a stretchable cushion layer 1404 that surrounds an assembledfront shell 1406 and back shell 1408.

FIG. 15 is an exploded close-up view of the cutaway portion of theprotective enclosure 1400 that is illustrated in FIG. 14. As shown inFIG. 15, the stretchable cushion layer 1404 (FIG. 14) has a tab 1506that is inserted in a groove 1508. The groove 1508 includes hooks 1500,1504 that assist in holding the tab 1506 in place in the groove 1508.Further, the stretchable cushion layer 1404 (FIG. 14) includes an angledinsert 1510 that is inserted in a recessed groove 1502. The length anddepth of the recessed groove 1502 and angled insert 1510 help to holdthe stretchable cushion layer in position along the edge of the displayscreen. Although the stretchable cushion layer 1404 is shown as having atab 1506, and the front shell 1406 is shown as having a groove 1508, theopposite type of structure could also be used. For example, the frontshell 1406 could include a tab, while the stretchable cushion layer 1404could include a groove that interfaces with the tab to hold thestretchable cushion layer 1404 to the front shell 1406. Further, plugs,such as plug 164 that is illustrated in FIG. 11, that are formed in thestretchable cushion layer 108, illustrated in FIG. 11, could alsocontain grooves that interface with a lip or hook, such as hook 1500,illustrated in FIG. 15, to hold the plug 164 in place. As indicatedabove, this structure can also be reversed.

FIG. 16 is a side cutaway view of a protective enclosure 1600. As shownin FIG. 16, the protective enclosure includes a front shell 1604 that isassembled to a back shell 1606. A stretchable cushion layer 1602 ismounted over and conformed to the assembled front shell 1604 and backshell 1606.

FIG. 17 is a close-up view of a portion of the protective enclosure 1600illustrated in FIG. 16. As shown in FIG. 17, the stretchable cushionlayer 1602 (FIG. 16) has a tab 1702 that is inserted in a groove 1704.Tab 1702 helps to hold the edge of the stretchable cushion layer 1602(FIG. 16) against the front shell 1604 (FIG. 16) in a tightconfiguration so that the stretchable cushion layer 1602 (FIG. 16) fitstightly against the front shell 1604 (FIG. 16). The tab 1702 fitstightly in the groove 1704 to hold the stretchable cushion layer 1602(FIG. 16) in place.

FIG. 18 is an isometric view of a protective enclosure 1800 for acomputer. As shown in FIG. 18, the protective enclosure 1800 includes ahard shell 1802 that is surrounded by a stretchable cushion layer 1804.The hard shell provides protection for the computer from impacts, whilethe stretchable cushion layer 1804 provides cushioning and shockprotection, in the same manner as described above, with regard to thevarious other embodiments. A touch screen cover 1806 can be permanentlyor removeably mounted on the hard shell 1802. The touch screen cover1806 provides scratch protection to the computer touch screen and isdisposed adjacent to the computer touch screen to allow interactive useof the touch screen. As indicated above, various suitable materials canbe used for the type of touch screen employed in the computer. Althoughthe embodiment of FIG. 18 depicts a protective enclosure 1800 for acomputer that has an interactive touch screen, a form fitted membranecan also be used in conjunction with the touch screen cover 1806 toallow access to a keyboard on a computer. As disclosed above, theprotective enclosure 1800 can also be used without such a membrane. Ofcourse, all of the features mentioned above, with respect to the variousother types of protective enclosures, can be utilized in the protectiveenclosure 1800 for a computer device.

The foregoing description of the invention has been presented forpurposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to beexhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed, andother modifications and variations may be possible in light of the aboveteachings. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to bestexplain the principles of the invention and its practical application tothereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the inventionin various embodiments and various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated. It is intended that the appended claims beconstrued to include other alternative embodiments of the inventionexcept insofar as limited by the prior art.

1. A protective enclosure for an electronic device, the protective enclosure comprising: a hard shell cover that fits over the electronic device; an acoustical vent through the hard shell cover; and an acoustical screen covering the acoustical vent, wherein the acoustical screen prevents the flow of water, dust, or dirt through the acoustical vent toward the electronic device, and wherein the acoustical screen allows the transmission of acoustical waves through the acoustical vent.
 2. The protective enclosure of claim 1, wherein the acoustical screen comprises water-resistant material.
 3. The protective enclosure of claim 1, wherein the acoustical screen comprises Gore-Tex.
 4. The protective enclosure of claim 1, wherein the hard shell cover is formed to provide openings that allow a user to have interactive access to controls of the electronic device, the hard shell cover providing rigidity to the protective enclosure, the hard shell cover comprising a front shell formed to a rigid shape of a front portion of the electronic device and a back shell formed to a rigid shape of a rear portion of the electronic device.
 5. The protective enclosure of claim 1, further comprising a stretchable cushion layer disposed over the hard shell cover, wherein the stretchable cushion layer has sufficient elasticity to substantially conform to the hard shell cover and provide cushioning to the protective enclosure, the stretchable cushion layer comprising an opening proximate the acoustical vent in the hard shell cover, wherein the opening in the stretchable cushion layer allows transmission of acoustical waves through the stretchable cushion layer.
 6. The protective enclosure of claim 1, further comprising a flexible membrane that is molded to fit over at least a front portion of the electronic device, wherein the flexible membrane allows interactive access to controls on the front portion of the electronic device.
 7. The protective enclosure of claim 1, wherein the acoustical vent is located proximate a microphone of the electronic device when the electronic device is installed in the protective enclosure.
 8. The protective enclosure of claim 1, wherein the acoustical vent is located proximate a speaker of the electronic device when the electronic device is installed in the protective enclosure. 